In February of 2005 I began working for a local photographer. Never did I imagine that two years later I would, number one, have a child or that, number two, I would have made the decision to start my own photography business in order to stay home with her! However, had it not been for Pam, I would never have found what I feel was my true career calling in life. I learned so much in those two years.. much of which is what I feel has attributed to my success since starting my business in May of 2007.

Not long after I met the amazingly talented Jason Lanier who was and still is a true inspiration and open book to me. I travelled all over the country second shooting for him and learning skills that would help me create a path of my own. I absolutely LOVE second shooting. It gives you the opportunity to be free and explore the amazingness (yes…I know that’s not a real word!) of photography! However, for me, I don’t have to shoot to learn something. I’m a very watchful person and pick up so much just from assisting and observing.

So, when the ever talented Mary Beth Tyson posted on her blog that she was in need of an assistant in my area I jumped on the opportunity. It’s been almost a year since I’ve had the chance and I have followed her blog for a long time and knew that it was an awesome opportunity!! This past Saturday finally came and let me tell you.. I had a BLAST. Mary Beth ROCKS!! I wasn’t planning on shooting but after the ceremony she urged me to feel free to pull out my camera and grab some shots. We were talking after the ceremony about assisting and shooting with photographers who have styles that are nothing like our own and we both agreed that it’s about what you take away from the experience that is important.. not that you match in styles in shooting or editing. It’s about learning and growing as photographers.. something that you must always be willing to do if you want to stay in the business more than a couple of years!

I had to get my images over to her so I went ahead and pulled out a few of my favorites. I hope everyone had an amazing weeking!!! I know I did!

Pensacola Wedding Photographer

There is something so peaceful about the calm after a storm. Don’t get me wrong, I love to watch lightning (from the inside.. I have had one to many close calls with lightning in my life). The way you know the storm is directly over you because immediately following the lightning is the thunder. I get slightly anxious and nervous because I never know if the power is going to go out.

 However, one of my favorite things to do is walk outside, take a deep breath and take in the smell of wet pavement once the storm has passed. It immediately relaxes me. I’m safe. The same thing can be said for the storms of life. As I posted yesterday I am without a vehicle. It’s now day three and it’s still in the shop with no definite explanation for what’s wrong. All we know is it has something to do with the transmission. It’s possible that it’s an electrical problem. Either way.. I’ve been anxious and nervous not knowing the results. No matter what the outcome it’s sure to be expensive.

I can always be assured though, there will be a calm after the storm. That moment when I can take a deep breath and soak in the peace. I’m hoping that it’s sooner than later. I’m also hoping for a new car but trust me I won’t hold my breath on that one.

Here’s a sneak of a wedding I’m currently working on…to be blogged soon.


Destin Wedding Photographer

So to be truly honest I’m not the most organized person in the world. Don’t get me wrong.. I’m very CLEAN. I love for things to be bleached at least every two weeks and my bathroom is usually spotless except for hairspray, face wash, and makeup. However, my desk is usually not very tidy and I have little things all over the house. The bad part is it makes me restless. I don’t work well when things aren’t organized.

So randomly, I will head to Amazon.com in search of ways to make my life more organized. Yesterday was one of those days. I’m in LOVE with the 9 cube shelves and had debated buying one for at least 6 months. So I went to target and I bought two. One for my closest (well my shoes) and one for Kaydence’s room. Her books needed a home and so did a few of her more often played with toys.

At this point you may be wondering, “Where does the chaos come in?” Well.. as I’m driving back towards home I all of a sudden can not accelerate past twenty miles per hour. The RPM’s keep jumping but I’m not going anywhere. Then comes the check engine light. I immediately pull over into the median of the highway. The last time something of that nature happened my timing belt had blown and I blew a head gasket to the tune of $2,000 because I didn’t stop soon enough. Needless to say I did not want that to happen. Even that may not sound that chaotic but since Kaydence had to stay home from school until Wednesday for whooping cough she was in the car with me. We spent the last five days working on potty training and so she was in big girl pants. I was SO afraid that she was going to go to the bathroom in her clothes as a bathroom wasn’t exactly easily accessible. So needless to say I was a bit frantic.

About forty-five minutes later I was able to get a tow truck, someone to pick us up and even a car from one of my best friends parents. So I’m not totally without a vehicle. I then came home and began to organize different areas of the house because I was so stressed and I organize the best when I’m upset and stressed out. So there you have it folks. A day in the life of Leslie!

On a very positive note..so far I’ve blogged every day this week! So, here is a little eye candy from last weekends wedding!

Pensacola Wedding Photographer

Karl and Johanna were married at the end of June and were so incredibly sweet. I enjoyed lunch with Johanna, her mother, sister and neice and was there when Karl came in with a beautiful pair of earrings that he was so excited about and hoping Johanna would love. Like most men, he typically let’s Johanna pick out her jewelry to be sure that she likes it. However, he did a magnificent job and Johanna LOVED them. They were perfect for her wedding dress!! The wedding was held at the Hilton on Pensacola Beach and as always the staff did a fantastic job. The wonderful Betty Weber made the most MAGNIFICENT cake!!! I must also tell you a little about the BEST TOAST EVER! When Johanna’s father started his speech he said, “So, I was told that I had to give a toast at the wedding and I wanted to make sure I did this right so Karl, here’s your toast…” and he hands him a piece of toast!!! Of course that wasn’t all but I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard! They were such a fun crowd and a blast to work with! Congratulation Karl and Johanna!!!

Pensacola Wedding Photographer

The entire summer I have walked towards my front door, looked at the not so well manicured enclave to my left and thought to myself, I really could use some landscaping help. We have some form of vine-like plant that drives me ABSOLUTELY insane and it’s not exactly easy to get rid of. Not to mention the weeds!!!! Oh my gosh the weeds!

So today as I walked past I decided that I was going to do the weeding and trim back the vine-like crazy plant! About two hours later with a little help from the hubs we managed to get all the weeds and some of the vine like crazy plant trimmed back so that I am much happier with the little enclave.

Sometimes in life all we need is a little help and guidance and that’s exactly what I hope that the Ask Leslie! section of my blog can be for other photographers… a place for help and guidance. As I say every time I do an Ask Leslie!, I don’t pretend to know all the answers. All I can do is tell you what I’ve done/do in the hopes that it can help someone else.  So, have at it! Ask away..

Since every post is better with a picture.. take a look at this lovely fellow that the hubs found trimming the bushes.

This one he put his hand about 6 inches or so behind it so that you could get an idea how big that NASTY thing is (that’s right..IS… he didn’t kill it!!)! Seriously though.. it was really have the size of his hand!!

Pensacola Wedding Photographer